Christian Betancourt
Bilingual Community Issues Reporter at Central Valley Journalism Collaborative
Bilingual Community Issues Reporter at The Merced Focus
Bilingual Community Issues Reporter @CVJC
Articles
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2 weeks ago |
themercedfocus.org | Victor Patton |Christian Betancourt
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHundreds of people have turned out at the “No Kings” protests in Merced. Both sides of M Street from 19th Street to the County Administration building are lined with protesters.
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1 month ago |
themercedfocus.org | Christian Betancourt
Reading Time: 2 minutesThe bear is back. Merced’s Applegate Zoo, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved public spaces, has replaced the custom wooden sign that was stolen earlier this year. Crafted in the silhouette of a bear, the design includes a stag standing in a forest while a bird of prey soars overhead. In a Facebook video posted this week, Merced Parks and Recreation Director Chris Jensen confirmed the new sign has been installed. The piece wasn’t just a decoration.
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1 month ago |
themercedfocus.org | Christian Betancourt
Reading Time: 5 minutesEchoes of history and homecoming converged Saturday in Atwater, as hundreds gathered to celebrate Hmong American Day — a sweeping tribute to the community’s determination in Merced County, and its collective 50-year journey from war to belonging. Underneath clear skies, a welcome banner greeted attendees and directed them toward the main stage at the Castle Memorial Parade Ground. There, performances, acknowledgments and cultural tributes took place throughout the day.
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1 month ago |
themercedfocus.org | Christian Betancourt
Reading Time: 12 minutesMiguel Castillo made Planada his home in 1978, living in a modest sanctuary that he paid off after working more than 30 years at Foster Farms. Despite those years of hard work and effort, Castillo’s home was destroyed when floodwaters tore through the farmworking community in January 2023. Millions in state dollars were allocated to help the small incorporated town recover.
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1 month ago |
themercedfocus.org | Christian Betancourt
Reading Time: 3 minutesToday’s Hmong community is vibrant and flourishing in Merced County, but that journey didn’t happen overnight. The first waves of Hmong refugees arrived in Merced County in 1975, fleeing war, political persecution, and the uncertain aftermath of the CIA’s Secret War in Laos. Fifty years later, the Hmong community’s dynamic history and legacy is being honored in Merced County.
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📢In my latest story for @TheMercedFOCUS, I interviewed advocates in the Central Valley, who are stepping up with resources like red cards and legal workshops to support immigrant families. 🔗 Read more: https://t.co/VN6o30OLsb #Immigration #CentralValley #Merced
In my latest piece with @TheMercedFOCUS, local Latino officials share their strategies to navigate upcoming immigration changes under the new administration. Full interviews here: https://t.co/WqNzFOCCwg #CommunityVoices #TheMercedFocus #Immigration
I had the honor of covering the "Healing of Our People" Powwow for The Merced FOCUS. Through my lens, I captured a photo narrative of tradition, healing, and community. 🪶✨ Check out the story + photo narrative: https://t.co/RdCm1kXW24 #IndigenousHeritage #MercedFocus